Blood donors asked to also help with food donations

Posted
Thursday, April 26, 2012 1:00 pm

The Rhode Island Blood Center is joining the Rhode Island Community Food Bank’s effort to assure that the Food Bank’s shelves remain stocked during a time of year when collections usually lag and needs increase.

Calling it Thanksgiving in April, the Rhode Island Blood Center is urging donors who donate at its five donor centers, to drop off non-perishable food items between April 1 and April 14.

Specifically, the Blood Center and Food Bank are looking for items, such as cereal, rice, grains, canned fruits and vegetables, bottled juices and peanut butter. The Food Bank will not accept expired or perishable items, or items in glass containers.

Each organization daily is called upon to save the lives of Rhode Islanders in need.

Every single day, the Rhode Island Blood Center is charged with the responsibility of collecting 280 pints of blood to meet the needs of individuals who are hospitalized in our community. And each day, the Rhode Island Community Food Bank distributes tens of thousands of pounds of food to individuals and families statewide. The Food Bank serves nearly 15 percent of Rhode Island households, with nearly a third of those served children under the age of 18.

The Warwick Mall is a local donor center open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.